Portland Local News

North Portland deaths murder-suicide

The Oregon State Medical Examiner has determined that 4-year-old Maribella Willard and her father, 34-year-old Jesse Willard, died of single gunshot wounds to the head. Detectives believe that the suspect, Jesse Willard, shot and killed his daughter then took his own life.

Maribella's mother (Jesse's wife) arrived home from work and found them deceased in the home. Their other daughter was not home at the time of the shooting and was not injured.

Detectives learned that Jesse was struggling with mental health issues prior to the shootings.

Community members seeking information on how to communicate with friends and children about this tragedy are encouraged to visit the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) at http://www.tipnational.org/

Help is available for community members struggling from a mental health crisis and/or suicidal thoughts. Suicide is preventable.

The Multnomah County Mental Health Call Center is available 24 hours a day at (503) 988-4888.

If you or someone you know needs help with suicidal thoughts or is otherwise in an immediate mental health crisis, please visit Cascadia or call (503) 963-2575. Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare has an urgent walk-in clinic, open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., 7 days a week. Payment is not necessary.